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Showing posts from 2013

“Whatever you do…”

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             You know the rest…, “do it to the glory of God.” I had the privilege of attending the Timothy Barnabas conference  (a pastors and wives conference ) in Scottsdale, AZ this week. I was encouraged in so many ways! The environment and food were both truly amazing. The arid heat, palm trees and Saguaro cacti were such an interesting contrast to Washington’s tall pine trees, rivers and mild climate. I love it all, because it reminds me that God is creative and boundless. I was encouraged to spend time with others in ministry and hear their stories.  I was encouraged through Christian entertainment and the environment itself gave me license to just have fun and enjoy God, and my husband. I heard inspiring testimonies from other leaders in ministry, both men and women. It meant so much to me that God was using others in His body and that people like Johnny Hunt and his wife Janet were so purposeful about encouraging the likes of me.  We were given several gifts during the co

Herbs in Mark’s Garden

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Since moving into our new home, Mark has found several herbs around the house among the landscaping as well as in the garden. Mark loves to garden and is glad he gets to continue cultivating them. I have especially enjoyed putting the chives in my potato dishes, and the rosemary along with garlic, lemon, and oil to marinate chicken. I’m feeling very organic these days :)

Art for Fun

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  Barbara and I have been having fun creating art in the afternoons. We have been trying our hand at watercolor, ink, and handwriting.

Spring in Longview

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Pictures from around our house :)                                                                                 Pictures from a nearby park and lake with running trails in Longview.         

Tulip Farms in Washington

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Below are some pictures I took at a Tulip Farm in Woodland, WA which is about 30 minutes from Longview. In the month of April, you can find fields of Tulips in bloom in various locations around us. Woodland is nice and close by to Longview. There were rows and rows of various kinds and colors of Tulips. I have loved them since childhood for their bright colors, strong green stems and pleasing contours. God is so creative! I especially like the pink and red ones. Enjoy the pics!

70 x 7

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                                            "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31 Mark and I had the honor of visiting a local church last Sunday during the last of Mark's vacation time. The sermon was on forgiveness and centered on the above verse. It's a hard one. I am not one to hold a grudge, but as I listened the Holy Spirit tugged at my heart. I reflected on some recent nights where my thoughts were stewing and brewing. Beth Moore calls it nursing and rehearsing. As the pastor last Sunday put it, "If your'e telling people off in your daydreams, you probably have someone you need to forgive." "Herrrrrrrrrrrrre's your sign! " Ouch! At first, I denied that I might need to forgive someone. Iv'e been a Christian a long time so shouldn't I be above this?

Home or Heart Renovation?

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3-12-2013 I have a new addiction.  I recently found the HGTV channel on Dish network.  Who knew that people sporting hard hats, hammers, and funny lookin' goggles could be so entertaining?!? One day, after being sucked into about 4 episodes  I asked myself what's so doggone exciting about this channel?  Why do I keep turning to it when I have a free moment?  And then it hit me...most of these shows are about "redemption."  There was something in me that connected with people taking foreclosed or beat up homes and making them beautiful again.  Not only were the homes made beautiful, but also functional.  Even better, with every remodel agents would always appraise the homes at much higher values.  Sometimes people would totally update a new home and give it a completely new look.  Other times, they would find the bones of a home like an old brick wall or special wood details and shine up the old features bringing the character and value of a home back at the s

It Hurts to be Beautiful!

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BEFORE AFTER 3-9-2013 "Lashes" our Mini-Schnauzer was wayyyyyyy overdue for a day at the doggie spa. All in one day, she was fluffed, puffed, buffed and brushed! Her groomer said she was "diggin" the chicken-flavored toothpaste. So glad they just make that for dogs! 

Go Conner!

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3-9-2013 We are so proud of Conner and his Uptempo singing group! Today they competed at Districts and earned a 1 (the highest rating you can earn) from the judge.  Conner sings the tenor part. They will go on to compete at State which is a high honor! Russell and Barbara (his grandparents) came and cheered him on today and Barbara captured the picture (to the left) and a video of each song (see links for each song below).Thanks for being the picture/video queen Barbara and way to go Conner!!! Conner's 1st Song Conner's 2nd Song